Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856, Vol. 3 (of 16)

by United States. Congress

Tuesday, March 20.

Wreck and Capture of the Frigate Philadelphia.

The following Message was received from the President of the United States:

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States:

I communicate to Congress a letter from Captain Bainbridge, commander of the Philadelphia frigate, informing us of the wreck of that vessel on the coast of Tripoli, and that himself, his officers, and men, had fallen into the hands of the Tripolitans. This accident renders it expedient to increase our force and enlarge our expenses in the Mediterranean beyond what the last appropriation contemplated. I recommend, therefore, to the consideration of Congress, such an addition to that appropriation as they may think the exigency requires.

TH. JEFFERSON.

March 20, 1804.

The Message and papers therein referred to were read, and ordered to lie for consideration.